Wall mounted washing machine and its door opening and closing device and method

ABSTRACT

A wall mounted washing machine and its door opening and closing device and method are provided to increase user convenience in opening and closing a door of the washing machine. The wall mounted washing machine includes a cabinet; a rear panel coupled to the cabinet; a control unit disposed on the front surface of the rear panel with respect to an inner portion of the cabinet; a front panel installed in the tub; a cover installed in the front panel and having a door hinge; a door rotatably coupled to the door hinge and having a door glass; a door opening and closing device adapted for locking or unlocking the door to/from the door; and a control unit disposed on the front surface of the rear panel with respect to an inner portion of the cabinet. The control unit includes a wash controller for controlling washing states; a valve controller for selectively controlling supply of wash water; a door opening and closing controller for controlling the door opening and closing device; and a timer for counting a period of time to delay opening and closing of the door. The door opening and closing controller receives the door unlocking signal to allow the door to be opened after a predetermined period of time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present disclosure claims benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0074637, filed on, Jun. 14, 2017, by inventor Jeong Hyeon GIM, which application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a wall mounted washing machine, a door opening and closing device thereof and a door opening and closing method thereof.

BACKGROUND

A washing machine is a device for separating contaminants from washed fabric (laundry) using wash water and detergent, wherein the contaminants may be separated from the washed fabric by the chemical action of the detergent dissolved in the wash water and the mechanical action of the wash water and an inner basket. Such washing machines may be categorized into a top loading type washing machine, a front loading type washing machine, and a combined type washing machine combined with the top loading type and the front loading type, depending on the method of loading the laundry.

In recent years, wall mounted washing machines have been introduced, which may be installed in narrow spaces such as bathrooms and toilets. In general, the wall mounted washing machines employ the front loading type for better miniaturization.

For example, the wall mounted washing machine may include a cabinet that forms an exterior, a tub provided in the cabinet filled with wash water, a drum rotatably installed in the tub and accommodating the laundry, a drive unit providing power to the drum, a water supply unit for supplying the wash water to the tub, and a drain unit for discharging the wash water from the tub to the outside of the cabinet

The wall-mounted washing machine is equipped with a separate knob or handle, which requires the user to open and close the door using a large amount force, which can make door opening and closing operations inconvenient. Further, there is a risk of damage to the knob or handle via the repetitive loading of the door from the handle. To prevent these disadvantages, a technique of door opening and closing using a button (without a separate handle) is known in the art with respect to wall-mounted washing machines. However, when a user presses the button to open a door using these conventional techniques, there may be a problem in which injury is caused to the user's hands (or the like) due to instantaneous opening of the door. For instance, the opening door may impact the user's hands thereby potentially causing injury.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, embodiments of the disclosure provide a wall mounted washing machine, a door opening and closing device thereof, and a door opening and closing method thereof which are capable of preventing an injury when the door is opened.

Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to a wall mounted washing machine comprising: a cabinet having a front surface and a rear surface; a tub disposed in the cabinet to store wash water; a rear panel coupled to the cabinet and operable to be mounted on a vertical surface; a front panel disposed in the tub; a cover disposed in the front panel; a door rotatably coupled to the cover and comprising a door glass; a door opening and closing device adapted for selecting locking and unlocking the door; and a control unit disposed on the front surface of the rear panel at a position with respect to an inner portion of the cabinet, wherein the control unit comprises: a wash controller for controlling washing states; a valve controller for selectively controlling supply of wash water; a door opening and closing controller for controlling the door opening and closing device; and a timer for counting a delay period to delay opening and closing of the door, wherein the door opening and closing controller receives a door unlocking signal for opening the door after the delay period. Embodiments include the above and wherein the door opening and closing device comprises: a door hanging unit disposed on the door and protruding toward the cover; and a door locking unit disposed on the cover and coupled to the door hanging unit to lock the door hanging unit; and wherein the door locking unit is operable to release a locking state of the door hanging unit in response to a signal from the door opening and closing controller.

Embodiments include the above and wherein the door comprises: a door inner frame disposed toward the cover and having bolt holes and stem through holes; and a door outer frame coupled to the door inner frame through bolts corresponding to the bolt holes. Embodiments include the above and wherein the door outer frame comprises: a plurality of bolt fixing parts spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction on an inner surface of the door outer frame wherein bolts inserted into the bolt holes are engaged; and a door opening button disposed on the door outer frame with respect to a position that does not interfere with the bolt fixing parts. Embodiments include the above and wherein the door opening button comprises a button extension portion protruding from a center to an inner side of the door inner frame. Embodiments include the above and wherein the door inner frame comprises an opening button circuit module mounted on an inner surface of the door inner frame and in contact with an end of the button extension portion. Embodiments include the above and wherein the opening button circuit module is installed at a position spaced downward from the stem through holes formed in the door inner frame. Embodiments include the above and wherein the opening button circuit module comprising: a contact switch in contact with the button extension portion; a switch circuit for issuing a door unlocking signal to the control unit depending on an ON/OFF operation of the contact switch; and a cable electrically coupling the switch circuit and the control unit. Embodiments include the above and wherein the timer operates responsive to an ON operation of the contact switch, and wherein further the delay period is predetermined and is substantially less than 10 seconds.

Embodiments of the present invention are also drawn to a door opening and closing device for a wall mounted washing machine, wherein the washing machine comprises a cabinet; a rear panel coupled to the cabinet and operable to be mounted on a wall; a cover coupled to a cover connection unit of the cabinet; a door hinged to said cover and having a door hanging unit coupled to the door locking unit and combined with a door inner frame and a door outer frame; and a control unit disposed on a front surface of the rear panel with respect to an inner side of the cabinet, the door opening and closing device comprising: a door opening unit installed on the door and rotated together with the door to be compressed upon contacting the cover and operable to store an elastic force; and the door locking unit operable to unlock the door hanging unit in response to one of: a wash completion signal; and a door unlocking signal from the control unit, and wherein the door opening unit operable to inversely rotate the door under force from stored elastic force when the door hanging unit is unlocked. Embodiments include the above and wherein the door unlocking signal is input to the door locking unit through the control unit, and wherein further the door locking unit performs a manual locking release action after 3 seconds from a time when the door locking unit receives a door unlocking signal. Embodiments include the above and wherein the door opening unit comprises: a pusher stem assembly selectively performing one of: extending toward the cover through stem through holes formed in the door inner frame; and being compressed upon contacting the cover; and a guide structure integrally formed on an inner surface of the door outer frame to be coupled to the pusher stem assembly.

Embodiments include the above and wherein the pusher stem assembly comprises: a cushion contacting the cover in response to the rotation of the door; a hollow stem installed with the cushion; and a spring inserted into the hallow stem and selectively compressed and relaxed along a length of the hollow stem. Embodiments include the above and wherein the cushion is formed of at least one material selected from a group consisting of: a natural rubber material; a synthetic rubber material; a urethane material; a silicone material; and a synthetic resin material and having an elastic force. Embodiments include the above and wherein the door locking unit comprises: a latch mounted on a rear surface of the cover and operable to selectively lock and unlock the door hanging unit; and a locking device casing mounted with a mechanism for operating the latch and an electric power unit. Embodiments include the above and wherein the door locking unit further comprises: a hanging unit inlet part formed in the locking device casing at a position corresponding to a hanging part insertion hole formed in the cover; and a socket portion for electrical connection with a connector of a wire originating from the control unit.

Embodiments of the present invention are also drawn to a method of door opening and closing for use in a wall mounted washing machine, wherein the washing machine comprises a cabinet; a rear panel coupled to the cabinet and operable to be wall mounted; a cover connected to the cabinet and having a door hinge on one side and a door locking unit on the other side; a door comprising a door hanging part coupled to the door locking unit, a door inner frame, and a door outer frame; and a control unit disposed on a front surface of the rear panel with respect to an inner side of the cabinet, wherein the control unit includes a door opening and closing controller, and wherein the door opening and closing controller is configured to perform the method, wherein the method comprises: checking whether there is a door unlocking signal; delaying unlocking of the door for a predetermined period of time from a time when the door unlocking signal is generated; and allowing the door to be unlocked after the predetermined period of time. Embodiments include the above and wherein said checking whether there is a door unlocking signal is performed by an ON/OFF operation of a contact switch which contacts an end of a door opening button disposed at one side of the door. Embodiments include the above and wherein said delaying unlocking of the door comprises transmitting the door unlocking signal to the door locking unit after the door opening and closing controller delays the door unlocking signal for the predetermined period of time from a time when the door unlocking signal is generated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wall mounted washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the door of FIG. 1 is opened.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the washing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the washing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a door to illustrate a door opening and closing device mounted on the door in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a cushion of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stem of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the stem shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of the stem shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a guide structure of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an assembly state of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing an operating state of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cover and the door locking unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the cover shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a door opening and closing process in accordance with the manual opening mode in FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a door opening and closing process in accordance with the automatic opening mode in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In addition, in the description of the present disclosure, the detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted if they would unnecessarily obscure the features of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wall mounted washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the door of FIG. 1 is opened, FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the washing machine of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the washing machine of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a wall-mounted washing machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 100 having a front surface and a rear surface opened and forming an outer appearance or exterior shape thereof, a door 200 disposed on one side of the cabinet 100 and for opening or closing the opened front surface of the cabinet 100, a cover 300 connected to the door 200 for opening and closing the door 200, a front panel 400 disposed on the rear surface of the cover 300, a detergent container 500 housed in one side of the front panel 400 and accommodating detergent and conditioner, a drum 600 in which laundry is stored, a tub 700 which surrounds the drum 600 and is filled with wash water, and a rear panel 800 mounted on the wall. Here, the rear surface means a surface close to the wall, and the front surface means a surface opposite to the rear surface.

Specifically, the cabinet 100 may be provided in an empty form. Also, the cabinet 100 may include a power button 102 for controlling a power supply, a cover connection unit 104 connected to the cover 300, and a rear panel connection unit 106 connected to the rear panel 800.

The power button 102 may be provided on one side of the cabinet 100 to control whether the washing machine 10 is turned on or off. The power button 102 may be provided on one side of the front surface of the cabinet 100 to be easily controlled by the user. Here, in this embodiment, the power button 102 is provided on the lower surface of the front surface of the cabinet 100. However, the position of the power button 102 is not limited thereto, and may be provided on the left or right of the front surface of the cabinet 100, for example, or in other well known positions.

The cabinet 100 may include a cover connection unit 104 connected to the cover 300. The cover connection unit 104 may correspond to an edge of the opened front surface of the cabinet 100 and may have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cover 300 so that the cover 300 is not detached from the cabinet 100. Specifically, the cover 300 may be inserted into the cabinet 100 from the rear surface to the front surface side. In this case, since the diameter of the cover connection unit 104 is smaller than the diameter of the cover 300, the cover 300 may be fitted into the cover connection unit 104, so that the cover 300 may not be separated from the cabinet 100.

The cabinet 100 may include a rear panel connecting unit 106 connected to the rear panel 800. The rear panel connecting unit 106 may correspond to the opened rear edge of the cabinet 100 and may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the rear panel 800. The cabinet 100 may be bolted to the rear panel 800 and for this purpose, a plurality of bolt fastening holes may be formed in the rear panel connecting portion 106

Meanwhile, the door 200 may be provided on the front surface of the cabinet 100. The door 200 is provided for loading and unloading laundry, and may include a door inner frame 230 and a door outer frame 240. Specifically, the door inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240 may be bolted in such way to offer a predetermined space therebetween, and each may be provided in a circular shape having a diameter corresponding to the cover connection unit 104. In this case, the door inner frame 230 may be in contact with the cover connection unit 104, and the door inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240 may completely shield the cover 300 connected to the cabinet 100.

The door inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240 may include a door hinge connection unit 232 for connection with the cover 300. The door hinge connecting unit 232 is provided at one side of the door inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240 and may provide a space for accommodating a door hinge 360 of the cover 300 to be described later.

A display 202 may be provided in a space between the door inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240. The display 202 is capable of outputting predetermined information to the user, and is provided with a front surface exposed to the outside of the door outer frame 240. That is, the door outer frame 240 may include a hole (not shown) or may be formed of a transparent material so that the display 202 may be viewed. In this case, the display 202 may include a touch panel capable of inputting or outputting information, and the user may view the panel to confirm information such as the operating state through the display 202, and also use the panel to perform operations of the wall-mounted washing machine 10 via touch interactions. For example, the user may select a process such as washing and rinsing of the laundry by performing a touch interaction with respect to the display 202, and confirm the remaining washing time or the like through the display 202.

The display 202 exposed to the exterior of the door outer frame 240 and the door outer frame 240 may be protected through a protective glass 204. The protective glass 204 is transparently provided on the front surface of the door outer frame 240 so that the user may identify the display 202. In this case, the protective glass 204 may be provided with the same diameter as the door inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240.

A hole (not shown) may be provided on one side of the protective glass 204, and the door opening button 210 may be exposed to the outside through the hole (not shown). The door opening button 210 may be provided in the door outer frame 240 for opening or closing the interior of the cabinet 100 using an electronic opening and closing system and may be exposed to the outside through a hole of the protective glass 204.

In addition, the door 200 may include a door opening unit 250 and a door hanging unit 260. The door opening unit 250 and the door hanging unit 260 may protrude rearward of the door inner frame 230 and may be in contact with and engaged with one side of the cover 300. Specifically, the door opening unit 250 serves as an opening/closing assistant and may have an elastic force. For example, the door opening unit 250 may include a spring and may act as a support for opening the door 200 through the elastic force of the spring. For example, when the door 200 is closed, the door opening unit 250 may be compressed and inserted into a groove (not shown) provided on one side of the cover 300. When the user operates the door opening button 210 to open the door 200, the door opening unit 250 may be released from one side of the cover 300, and may be in contact with the bottom surface of the groove (not shown) provided on one side of the cover 300 in a relaxed state. That is, a space is provided between the door 200 and the cover 300 by the relaxed length of the door opening unit 250, thereby preventing the door 200 from being automatically closed.

The door opening unit 250 may be a pusher stem assembly that may be supported by the spring and located within a guide structure formed in the door inner frame 230 or repeatedly perform projecting by a linear movement through a predetermined stroke range.

The door hanging unit 260 may be provided at a predetermined distance from the door opening unit 250 and may be provided in the shape of a hook partially protruding from the door inner frame 230. The protruding portion of the door hanging unit 260 may be coupled to a door lock unit 330 of the cover 300 to be described later, and thus the door 200 may be closed.

In summary, the door 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be opened through a door opening button 210. When the user operates the door opening button 210, the door opening unit 250 and the door hanging unit 260 may be released from the cover 300 so that the door 200 may open the cover 300. In this case, the door opening unit 250 having an elastic force may be relaxed and provided on one side of the cover 300, and thus a predetermined gap is provided between the door 200 and the cover 300. Therefore the door 200 may be prevented from closing.

In addition, the user may close the door 200 by applying pressure to the door 200 toward the cover 300 side. To this end, the user may press one side of the outermost protective glass 204 of the door 200 so that the door opening unit 250 may be compressed and become received in the groove (not shown) of the cover 300 and the protruding portion of the door hanging unit 260 may be coupled to the door hanging unit 330 of the cover 300. That is, the door 200 may be opened and closed without a separate handle.

A center side of the door inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240 may be opened and the door glass 280 may be provided at the opened center side. The door glass 280 allows the user to view the laundry inside the machine from the outside of the washing machine 10 and may be fitted to the door inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240. In this case, the door glass 280 may be formed to protrude rearward, and the protruded side of the door glass 280 may be fitted to the opened side of the cover 300.

Meanwhile, the door 200 may be rotatably connected to the cover 300. The cover 300 is provided to enclose the front panel 400 and may include a laundry inlet 302 for loading the laundry, a detergent container loading port 304 for loading a detergent container 500, and a power processing unit 306 for controlling the button 102.

The user may load laundry through the laundry inlet 302. The laundry inlet 302 may be provided to have a predetermined diameter. In this case, the diameter of the laundry inlet 302 may correspond to the size of the protruding portion of the door glass 280. Thus, when the door 200 is closed, the door glass 280 may block the laundry inlet 302, and when the user opens the door 200, the door glass 280 is released from the laundry inlet 302 to allow laundry loading through the laundry inlet 302.

A detergent container loading port 304, which may load the detergent container 500, may be provided on the upper side of the laundry inlet 302. In this case, the detergent container loading port 304 may correspond to the shape of the detergent container 500.

The cover 300 may have a laundry inlet 302 at its center and may have a circular shape as a whole. Further, the cover 300 may be shaped such that one side protrudes downward. In this case, the power processing unit 306 may be provided in a protruding portion downward. The power processing unit 306 may be a PCB substrate connected to the power button 102 to control whether the power is turned on or off according to the operation of the power button 102 protruding from the outside of the case 100.

Meanwhile, the cover 300 may include a door hanging unit 330 located at a position corresponding to the other door hanging unit 260. The door hanging unit 330 is coupled to the hook-shaped door hanging unit 260 and may include a groove corresponding to the shape of the door hanging unit 260. Thus, as the door hanging unit 260 is coupled to the other door hanging unit 330, so that the door 200 may close the laundry inlet 302.

Also, the cover 300 may include a door hinge 360 at a location corresponding to the door hinge connection unit 232. The door hinge 360 may be opened while one side of the door 200 and one side of the cover 300 may be connected to each other, and the one side of the door hinge 360 may be received in the door hinge connection unit 232. Specifically, the door hinge 360 may be formed in a shape of a long curved panel in a vertical direction on one side of the laundry inlet 302, and may be partially protruded forward such that the door 200 may be rotated and connected to the door hinge connection unit 232. That is, the door 200 may be rotatable along the protruding portion in front of the door hinge 360.

Meanwhile, a front panel 400 may be provided on the rear surface of the cover 300. The front panel 400 may be coupled to the tub 700 and may include a shield unit 410 shielding a space between the drum 600 and the tub 700, a detergent container receiving unit 420 receiving the detergent container 500, a detergent container gasket 430 which provides a seal at a portion coupled with the detergent container 500, a fitting 440 for supplying water into the detergent container 500, a door gasket 450 which provides a seal at a portion in contact with the door 200, and a water supply valve assembly 480 for receiving wash water from an external water supplying source.

The shield unit 410 may shield a space generated between the drum 600 and the tub 700 and may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover 300. That is, it may have the same diameter as the cover 300 and have an opening corresponding to the laundry inlet 302 provided on the center side thereof. In this regard, the opening of the shield unit 410 may be smaller than the diameter of the drum 600, so that the space between the drum 600 and the tub 700 may be shielded.

The detergent container receiving unit 420 may be provided at one side of the shield unit 410 to receive the detergent container 500. The detergent container receiving unit 420 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the detergent container 500 and may be in communication with the detergent container loading port 304 of the cover 300. That is, the detergent container 500 may be received in the detergent container receiving unit 420 via the detergent container loading port 304 of the cover 300.

The detergent container receiving unit 420 may include a detergent container gasket 430 that is pressurized by the detergent container 500. The detergent container gasket 430 may be disposed around the end of the detergent container receiving unit 420 to seal the detergent container 500 and may be composed of a rubber material. That is, the detergent, the conditioner, and the wash water supplied to the detergent container 500 are prevented from leaking to the outside through the detergent container gasket 430.

At least one fitting 440 may be provided on the top of the detergent container receiving unit 420. The fitting 440, which is connected to a water supply valve assembly 480 connected to an external water supply source, may supply the wash water into the detergent container 500. Thus, the wash water supplied to the drum 600 and the tub 700 may include the dissolved detergent or conditioner because the wash water is supplied into the drum 600 and the tub 700 through the detergent container 500.

Meanwhile, the opening of the shield unit 410 may include a door gasket 450 which is pressed by a door glass 280 of the door 200. The door gasket 450 may be disposed at the opening end of the shield unit 410 (for example, at the annular end of the opening) to hermetically fix the door glass 280, and it may be composed of a rubber material or the like. Thus, when the door 200 is closed, the door glass 280 penetrating the laundry inlet 302 of the cover 300 presses the door gasket 450, and therefore the wash water inside the drum 600 and the tub 700 will not leak outside the door 200.

The fitting 440 may be supplied with wash water through a water supply valve assembly 480. The water supply valve assembly 480 may be connected to an external water supply source and may selectively supply the wash water to the detergent container 550 through the fitting 440. The water supply valve assembly 480 may be a three-way valve and two of the supply flow paths extending from the water supply valve assembly 480 may be connected to the fitting 440 connected to the detergent container 500 and one of them may supply the wash water to the drum 600 directly through the door gasket 450.

The detergent container 500 may accommodate detergent and conditioner and may include a detergent container handle 502, a detergent input space 504 in which detergent is loaded, and a conditioner input space 506 in which a conditioner is loaded.

The detergent container handle 502 may protrude forward and may be exposed to the outside of the cover 300. The user thus may grasp the detergent container handle 502 after opening the door 200, allowing the detergent container 500 to be unloaded or inserted from the detergent container receiving unit 420. In this embodiment, although the detergent container handle 502 is extended in the vertical direction and provided at the center of the front surface of the detergent container 500, the detergent container handle 502 is not limited thereto. For example, the detergent container receiving unit 420 may be extended in the horizontal direction and provided on the front surface of the detergent container 500.

The detergent container 500 may be partitioned based on the center of the interior and include a detergent input space 504 and a conditioner input space 506 which may contain detergent and conditioner, respectively. In this connection, the fitting 440 may be arranged to correspond with the detergent input space 504 and the conditioner input space 506, and the detergent and conditioner in the detergent input space 504 and the conditioner input space 506 may be supplied with the wash water. Specifically, the user may draw the detergent container 500 from the detergent container receiving unit 420 after opening the door 200 and may fill detergent and conditioner into the detergent input space 504 and the conditioner input space 506, respectively. The detergent container 500 filled with the detergent and the conditioner may be inserted again into the detergent container receiving unit 420, and depending on the washing process, the detergent input space 504 and the conditioner input space 506 may be supplied with the wash water. Accordingly, the wash water including detergent or conditioner may be selectively supplied to the drum 600 and the tub 700. Meanwhile, the front panel 400 may be connected to the drum 600. The drum 600 for receiving the laundry may include a drum inlet portion 610 on the front surface and a spider 680 on the rear surface. In this case, a plurality of holes may be formed around the drum 600 for fluid communication with the tub 700.

A drum inlet portion 610 may correspond to the opened portion of the shield unit 410. In this regard, the drum inlet portion 610 may have a diameter smaller than the entire diameter of the drum 600, and the drum inlet portion 610 may be fitted into the opened portion of the shield unit 410, so that front panel 400 and the drum 600 may be connected to each other. Thus, the laundry may be loaded into the drum 600 via the laundry inlet 302 of the cover 300 and the opened portion of the front panel 400.

The drum 600 may be rotated through a spider 680. The spider 680 may rotate in response to a driving force from a driving motor 910 (to be described later). The spider 680 may be separate from the drum 600 and also coupled to the rear surface of the drum 600. In this case, a groove corresponding to the shape of the spider 680 may be formed on the rear surface of the drum 600 so that the spider 680 may be seated.

The spider 680 may include a plurality of arms extending in different directions with a constant gap at the center. For example, the spider 680 may include an arm extending in three directions by a length corresponding to the radius of the drum 600, and each arm may be disposed at a 120-degree gap. Further, the center of the spider 680 may be fixed to a second pulley 914 (to be described later) through a drum rotation axis 916 to be described later, and thus both the drum 600 coupled to the spider 680 and the spider 680 may be rotated. A specific method of rotating the drum 600 will be described later.

A tub 700 in which the wash water is filled may be provided outside the drum 600. The tub 700 may have a shape corresponding to the drum 600 and may be formed with a diameter larger than a diameter of the drum 600 by a predetermined length. Accordingly, the tub 700 may be arranged apart from the drum 600 by a predetermined gap. In addition, the wash water supplied into the tub 700 may flow into the drum 600 through a plurality of holes formed around the drum 600. Similarly, the inner wash water of the drum 600 may flow into the tub 700 through the plurality of holes formed around the drum 600. In this regard, the drum 600 and the tub 700 may be provided in a cylindrical shape, but of course are not limited thereto.

Further, the tub 700 may include a heater 702 to heat the wash water. Specifically, a groove may be formed on the inner side of the tub 700 to receive the heater 702, and a heater 702 may be provided on the inner side of the tub 700 in a detachable manner. Thus, the heater 702 may heat the wash water filled in the tub 700.

Meanwhile, the tub 700 may be integrally provided with a rear panel 800. The rear panel 800 may be mounted on the wall and may include an anchor connection unit 802 to which an anchor (for mounting to the wall) is connected, a cabinet fixing unit 804 for fixing the cabinet 100, and a sensor 806 for detecting the water level.

Specifically, the tub 700 and the rear panel 800 may be integrally injection molded, and the tub 700 may protrude from the front of the rear panel 800. The rear surface of the rear panel 800 may be mounted on the wall via a separate anchor. The anchor may be coupled to the wall through an anchor connection unit 802 and may be provided on the rear surface of the rear panel 800 for stable engagement. That is, the plurality of anchors may mount the rear panel 800 on the wall. In this case, since the tub 700 and the rear panel 800 are integrally provided, a separate damper or an elastic member for supporting the tub 700 is not required. Consequently, the number of parts may be reduced, and the size of the washing machine 10 may be likewise reduced.

The cabinet 100 may be coupled to the front surface of the rear panel 800 where the tub 700 is provided to enclose the tub 700. In this case, a cabinet fixing unit 804 may be provided to have a stepped shape along the periphery of the rear panel 800, and the cabinet 100 may be fixed to the cabinet fixing unit 804. For this purpose, a fastening member such as a bolt may be used.

Also, the rear panel 800 may include a control unit 810 for controlling the overall functions of the wall mounted washing machine 10 and a drain unit 820 for discharging the wash water filled in the tub 700.

The control unit 810 may be provided on the front surface of the rear panel 800 to control various components of the wall mounted washing machine 10 depending on a user's operation to perform laundry washing. In this embodiment, while the control unit 810 is shown on the right side of the respect to tub 700, the position of the control unit 810 is not limited thereto.

A power supply line 904 may be connected to the external power source to supply power to the electric equipment, the control unit 810, the driving motor 910, and the like described above. The power supply line 904 may extend through the rear panel 800 to the front of the rear panel 800 and may extend outwardly from the rear of the rear panel 800. In this case, the power supply line 904 may be fixed to the rear surface of the rear panel 800 through a separate fixing means. As the power supply line 904 is provided extending outwardly from the rear surface of the rear panel 800, the washing machine 10 may have a finished or pleasing appearance.

The drain unit 820 may be provided under the rear panel 800. The drain unit 820 may discharge any wash water inside the tub 700 to the outside and may be disposed on the lower surface of the front surface of the rear panel 800. In this case, the drain unit 820 may include a drain pump for pressurizing the wash water and may be connected to the drain hose 902 to discharge the wash water. Specifically, the drain hose 902 is connected to the drain unit 820 and extends outward along the rear surface of the rear panel 800, so that the wash water may flow through the pressure of the drain unit 820. Thus, when the drain unit 820 is operated after the washing cycle is completed, the wash water may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 through the drain hose 902 under the pressure change of the drain unit 820. Meanwhile, the rear panel 800 may include a driving motor 910 for transmitting a driving force to the rear panel 800, a first pulley 912 and a second pulley 914 connected to the driving motor 910, a drum rotational shaft 916 connected to the second pulley 914 to rotate the drum 600, and a belt 918 that connects the first pulley 912 and the second pulley 914.

Specifically, the driving motor 910 may be provided on the front surface of the rear panel 800. The driving motor 910 may be controlled by the control unit 810 and may be provided on one side of the control unit 810 and the drain unit 820.

Also, the driving motor 910 may be connected to the first pulley 912. In this case, the shaft (not shown) of the driving motor 910 may be provided through the rear panel 800 and may be connected with a shaft (not shown) of the driving motor 910 to the first pulley 912 at the rear surface of the rear panel 800.

The first pulley 912 may be connected to the second pulley 914 via a belt 918. The second pulley 914 may be provided to surround the drum rotation shaft 916 connected to the spider 680 and the drum rotation axis 916 may penetrate the rear panel 800 while being connected to the spider 680. That is, the second pulley 914 and the drum rotation shaft 916 may be connected to each other at the rear surface of the rear panel 800.

In summary, when the wash water is filled in the tub 700 through the fitting 440, the control unit 810 may operate the driving motor 910. Subsequently, the first pulley 912 connected to the driving motor 910 may be rotated, and the second pulley 914 may be then rotated by the rotation of the first pulley 912. Thus, the drum rotation shaft 916 connected to the second pulley 914 may also rotate so that the drum 600 may be rotated inside the cabinet 100 and the tub 700. Consequently, the laundry inside the drum 600 may be washed.

On the other hand, the rear panel 800 may further include an exhaust line 920. The exhaust line 920 may be connected to the drain unit 820 and may exhaust air inside the tub 700 and the drain unit 820. Specifically, the exhaust line 920 may be connected to the drain hose 902 and pass through the rear panel 800, through which it may extend to the rear surface of the rear panel 800 and be exhausted to the outside.

The wall-mounted washing machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be used as follows.

First, the user may open the door 200, and may load the laundry inside the drum 600 and unload the detergent container 500 from the front panel 400. In this case, the detergent container 500 is divided in the center, so that a space for loading detergent and conditioner, respectively, may be provided.

After inserting the detergent container 500 loaded with the detergent and conditioner back into the front panel 400, the user may close the door 200 and control the laundry operation via the power button 102 and the display 202. When the washing cycle is started, the wash water provided from an external water supplying source through the water supply valve assembly 480 may be supplied to the detergent container 500 through the fitting 440, and the wash water may be supplied into the drum 600 and tub 700 after passing the detergent input space 504 and the conditioner input space 506. That is, the wash water filled in the drum 600 and the tub 700 may optionally include detergent and conditioner.

When the tub 700 is fully filed with the wash water, the control unit 810 may drive the driving motor 910. In this case, the driving motor 910 may be connected to the first pulley 912 and the second pulley 914, and the second pulley 914 may be connected to the drum 600 through the drum rotation shaft 916. Thus, the drum 600 may be rotated through the driving motor 910. Consequently, the laundry loaded in the drum 600 may be easily washed by the rotation of the drum 600.

When the door 200 is closed, the door 200 may rotate toward the cover 300, and when the door 200 is opened, the door 200 may be reversely rotate away from the cover 300.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a door to illustrate a door opening and closing device mounted on the door in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a front view of a cushion of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 5. Further, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stem of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a front view of the stem shown in FIG. 7. Further, FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line VX-VX of the stem shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a guide structure of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the wall mounted washing machine includes a door opening and closing device which may be of an electronic opening and closing type and is disposed on the door 200.

The door 200 includes a door inner frame 230 and a door outer frame 240 configured to be separated or assembled as described above. The door 200 may be an assembly which includes the inner frame 230 and the door outer frame 240 which are assembled together.

The door opening and closing device may be an electronic device capable of opening the door 200 in accordance with an embodiment. That is, even if the door opening button 210 is simply pressed by the user's finger, the locking state of the door 200 may be released, thereby facilitating user convenience. In addition, the door opening and closing device allows the door 200 to be opened easily and quickly.

For example, the door opening and closing device may readily open the door 200 by utilizing a resultant force summing an elastic force of the door opening unit 210 including the pusher stem assembly 2520 and the elastic force of the door gasket 450 of FIG. 4, e.g., a bending force.

For example, the door gasket 450 has an elastic protrusion protruding obliquely toward the door glass 280, and is bent when the door 200 is closed which applies the elastic force, such as a bending force, to the door 200 through a door glass 280.

In other words, in the unlocking state in which the door 200 may be opened, the elastic protrusion of the door gasket 450 may be restored to the original state, and the door 200 may be pushed by an elastic force corresponding to the bending force. In this situation, the acting direction of the elastic force of the door gasket 450 may be the same as the acting direction of the elastic force of the door opening unit 250, so that the door 200 may open quickly.

The door opening and closing device may include the door opening unit 250, the door locking unit 330 and the door hinge 360, as shown in FIG. 4; and the door opening and closing device may further include a door hanging unit 260, an opening button circuit module 2100 and a door opening button 210, as shown in FIG. 5.

The door hinge 360 may be disposed on one side of the cover 300 and may be rotatably coupled to the door 200.

The door locking unit 330 may be provided on the other side of the cover 300.

The door hanging unit 260 may be made of a metal material having a larger structural strength than that of the door 200, and is detachably attached to the door 200 by a fastening means such as a bolt.

For example, the door hanging unit 260 is mounted on the door 200. That is, the door hanging unit 260 may be in the form of a hook protruding out of the door inner frame 230, or in the form of a ring protruding from the door inner frame 230 toward the cover 300. The door hanging unit 260 may be a component (e.g., locking component) coupled to the door locking unit 330 of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 mentioned above or may be a component (e.g., unlocking component) unlocking from the door locking unit.

The door locking unit 330 may be a device capable of locking or unlocking the door hanging unit 260 using an elastic force and an electromagnetic force, in one embodiment.

The door locking unit 330 functions together with the door opening and closing controller 815. For example, the door locking unit 330 may unlock the door hanging unit 260 in response to receiving a door unlocking signal from the door opening and closing controller 815 of the control unit 810 or from a wash completion signal. In addition, the door locking unit 330 may unlock the door hanging unit 260 by a manual locking release technique described later.

In the description of the present embodiment, the manual locking release means that the door 200 is opened by the user forcibly pulling the string member 335 when power is not applied to the washing machine.

In the embodiment, a manual opening mode 816, as distinct from above, means that a user opens the door 200 by pressing the door opening button 210 (e.g., with a finger press) when power is applied to the washing machine.

The door locking unit 330 is disposed on the cover 300. The door locking unit 330 may lock the door hanging unit 260 when the door locking unit 330 is coupled to the door hanging unit 260.

To this end, the door locking unit 330 is connected to a control unit 810 in the washing machine 10. In a detailed configuration, the door locking unit 330 may be an electro-mechanical locking device having a latch for locking or unlocking the door hanging unit 260 and a mechanism for operating the latch and an electrical powering device. Here, the electric power unit is configured to be controllable by the control unit 810.

As such, the door locking unit 330 may release the locking state of the door hanging unit 260, in response to an operation control event of the control unit 810 located in the cabinet 100, e.g., this can be from the door unlocking signal or from wash completion signal.

The door opening unit 250 is installed in the door 200 as mentioned above. The door opening unit 250 rotates together with the door 200 to contact the cover 300. Subsequently, the spring 2550 of the door opening unit 250 is compressed, so that an elastic force may be generated in the spring 2550 or stored in the spring 2550.

For example, the door locking unit 330 unlocks the door hanging unit 260 in response to the wash completion signal of the control unit 810, and the door opening unit 250 opens the door 200 under control from the stored elastic force and corresponding to the unlocking, as a reverse rotation.

To this end, the door opening unit 250 may include a guide structure 2510 and a pusher stem assembly 2520 guided by a guide structure 2510 described below.

In addition, the door opening unit 250 may play a role of generating a force required to open the door 200. For example, the door opening unit 250 is a device that may be stretched or contracted, e.g., that may be capable of expansion and contraction within a predetermined stroke range using an elastic force. In other words, the door opening unit 250 may serve as a pusher device for easily and rapidly opening the door 200 using an elastic force. That is, the door opening unit 250 may reverse the door by the stored elastic force.

Moreover, the door opening unit 250 may serve as an elastic support or a spacer. That is, in an open state of the door 200, the door opening unit 250 may maintain a space between the door 200 and the cover 300 until the user applies a force to the door of a sufficient magnitude to close the door 200.

To this end, the door opening unit 250 is installed on the door 200 with respect to a position spaced apart from the door hanging unit 260.

The door inner frame 230 is arranged toward the cover 300 and has a plurality of bolt holes 231 and a stem through hole 233. The stem through hole 233 is formed so that it passes through along a direction in accordance with the frame thickness (e.g., the frame thickness direction) of the door inner frame 230 with respect to a position spaced from the door hanging unit 260.

A protective glass 204 is coupled to the outer side of the outer frame 240.

The door outer frame 240 may be act as a support base of the door opening unit 250.

The door outer frame 240 is coupled to the door inner frame 230 through a bolt (not shown) corresponding to the bolt hole 231. For this purpose, the door outer frame 240 includes a plurality of bolt fixing parts 241 spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction from the inner side of the door outer frame 240 so that the bolts inserted into the bolt holes 231 are coupled to the bolt fixing parts.

The door outer frame 240 includes a door opening button 210 disposed in the door outer frame 240, in one instance, with respect to a position that does not interfere with the bolt fixing part 241.

The outer side of the door opening button 210 may be exposed through a hole (not shown) on one side of the protective glass 204, as mentioned above.

The door opening button 210 includes a button extending portion 211 that is an integral shaft member protruding from the center of the inner side thereof toward the inner side of the door inner frame 230.

A swirling elastic body is formed between an outer edge of the door opening button 210 and an inner edge of a button hole edge of the door inner frame 230.

Accordingly, the user may perform a pressing operation for opening the door 200, such as pressing the door opening button 210 on the outside of the door 200 with a finger. Then, since the swirling elastic body is deformed within the elastic range, the door opening button 210 and the button extending portion 211 may be advanced during the pressing operation, and may be restored (e.g., backward) to the original state when the finger releases the door opening button 210.

Meanwhile, the door inner frame 230 includes an opening button circuit module 2100 installed on the inner side of the door inner frame 230 to be in contact with the end of the button extending portion 211.

For example, a door unlocking signal may be input from the opening button circuit module 2100 to the door opening and closing controller 815 via the control unit 812 of the control unit 810. That is, the door opening and closing controller 815 may receive the door unlocking signal from the control part 812, and may selectively transmit the door unlocking signal to the door locking unit 330 depending on whether the door opening condition is satisfied.

That is, the door opening and closing controller 815 delays the unlocking of the door 200. For example, the door opening and closing controller 815 delays the door unlocking signal for a predetermined period of time, for example, 3 seconds, from the time when the door unlocking signal is generated, and then transmits the door unlocking signal to the door locking unit 330.

Accordingly, the door locking unit 330 may receive the door unlocking signal through the control unit 810 after a predetermined period of time from the time when the door unlocking signal has been generated.

The opening button circuit module 2100 has a circuit housing 2110 that may be bolted to the inner side mounting position of the door inner frame 230. One side of the circuit housing 2110 is open.

The opening button circuit module 2100 includes a switch circuit board unit 2120 installed on the circuit housing 2110 through the open side. Here, the opening button circuit module 2100 perform the function of issuing the locking release signal to the control unit 810 of the washing machine 10 according to a selective ON or OFF operation of the door opening button 210, the button extension portion 211 and a contact switch 2130. The contact switch 2130 may be mounted on the switch circuit board unit 2120 and may be in contact with the end of the button extending portion 211.

The opening button circuit module 2110 includes a cable 2140 (or signal wire) for electrically connecting the switch circuit board unit 2120 and the control unit 810. Herein, the cable 2140 may be connected to the control unit 810 via a circuit (not shown) associated with the display 202 mentioned above.

The door opening unit 250 will be described below in detail.

The guide structure 2510 of the door opening unit 250 serves to guide the movement of the pusher stem assembly 2520. The guide structure 2510 may be integrally formed on the inner side of the door outer frame 240. More specifically, the guide structure 2510 serves to guide the forward (e.g., stretch) or backward (e.g., collapse) movement of a stem 2540 of the pusher stem assembly 2520. The guide structure 2510 also serves to restrain or protect the spring 2550 so that the spring 2550 is selectively separated, or not separated, from the outside of the stem 2540.

The pusher stem assembly 2520 of the door opening unit 250 may be coupled to the guide structure 2510 and elastically supported on the inner side of the door outer frame 240. The cushion 2530 of the pusher stem assembly 2520 may be in contact with the cover 300. The stem 2540 of the pusher stem assembly 2520 may be fitted into the stem through hole 233 of the door inner frame 230.

The pusher stem assembly 2520 may be compressed upon contacting the cover 300.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an assembly state of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing an operating state of the door opening unit shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the pusher stem assembly 2520 may be supported and guided within a guide structure 2510 as the door 200 is closed, and may act on the cover 300 with an elastic force stored in accordance with the compression of the spring 2550.

Conversely, the pusher stem assembly 2520 may extend toward the cover 300 through the stem through hole 233, as shown in FIG. 12, as the door 200 is opened. The pusher stem assembly 250 is supported and guided by the guide structure 2510 and acts on the cover 300 with a stored elastic force.

The cover 300 may be a fixed component of the washing machine 10 supported on the wall in one embodiment. The door 200 is a rotatable component in the door hinge 360 of the cover 300.

Therefore, the pusher stem assembly 2520 may be moved along with the door 200 along the door opening direction, as indicated by an arrow “F”, due to a reaction (for example, an elastic repulsive force) caused by the elastic force as the spring 2550 is relaxed or elongated, as shown in FIG. 12, and in a state in which the door 200 is opened due to the locking release between the door hanging unit 260 and the door locking unit 330.

The pusher stem assembly 2520 includes a cushion 2530 that contacts the cover 300 in response to the rotation of the door 200. The pusher stem assembly 2520 includes a spring 2550 inserted into the stem 2540 and selectively compressed or relaxed along the longitudinal direction of the stem 2540.

Referring to FIG. 6, the cushion 2530 serves to attenuate and reduce impact amount and noise upon contacting the cover 300 to increase the operating quality of the washing machine 10.

For this purpose, the cushion 2530 is formed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: a natural rubber material; a synthetic rubber material; a urethane material; a silicone material; and a synthetic resin material having an elastic force.

In addition, the cushion 2530 has a hemispherical contact portion 2531 that contacts the cover 300 to absorb impacts and has a bulged front surface. Although the contact portion 2531 has a shape in which a hemispherical portion is bulged in a disk-shaped body, the shape may not be limited to such a specific shape because it may be variously deformed for the purpose of absorbing impact or reducing noise in other ways.

In addition, the cushion 2530 has a cushion extension shaft portion 2532 protruding from the center of the rear surface of the contact portion and which shaft portion 2532 has a smaller diameter than the contact portion 2531.

Further, the cushion 2530 includes a cushion fixing part 2533 which is integrally formed at the end of the cushion extension shaft portion 2532 with respect to the position opposite to the contact portion 2531 and is fixed by hanging at the edge of the installation hole 2541 of the stem 2540 of FIG. 7.

Here, the cushion fixing part 2533 has a wedge section shape. The installation hole 2541 also has a dish hole shape corresponding to a wedge inclined surface of the cushion fixing part 2533. Also, the outer circumferential surface of the cushion fixing part 2533 is formed with a plurality of gap portions 2534 spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the cushion fixing part 2533.

Thus, when the cushion 2530 is coupled to the stem 2540, the cushion fixing part 2533 may easily be passed through and fixed to the installation hole 2541 of the stem 2540.

The cushion 2530 is installed in a hollow stem 2540, for example, in a cushion inserting part 2542 of the stem 2540.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the stem 2540 includes the cushion inserting part 2542 formed on one side of the stem 2540 with respect to the installation hole 2541. Here, the cushion inserting part 2542 has a plurality of supporting protrusions 2543 for supporting the cushion 2530.

The spaces between the supporting protrusions 2543 allow the weight of the pusher stem assembly 2520 to be lightened while increasing impact damping and noise reduction efficiency as a means for allowing deformation of the cushion 2530.

In addition, the stem 2540 includes a hollow spring inserting part 2544 which extends integrally along the longitudinal direction of the stem 2540 from the cushion inserting part 2542 and is disposed on the other side of the stem 2540 with respect to the installation hole 2541. The spring 2550 of FIG. 5 is inserted into the inner space of the spring inserting part 2544.

The spring 2550 contacts the edge portion of the installation hole 2541 in the stem 2540. In addition, the end of the spring 2550 projected outward from the stem 2540 is supported in the spring supporting part 2511 of the guide structure 2510 as will be described below. As a result, the spring 2550 elastically supports the stem 2540 while being compressed or relaxed.

In addition, the stem 2540 includes a plurality of hanging protrusions 2545 protruding along a radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the spring inserting part 2544 in a mutually opposing manner.

The hanging protrusions 2545 have a wedge cross-sectional shape inclined with respect to the direction of fastening to the guide body 2512 of the guide structure 2510. The wedge shape of the hanging protrusions 2545 allows the stem 2540 to be easily inserted and engaged in the guide body 2512.

Referring to FIG. 10, the guide structure 2510 is formed on the inner side of the door outer frame 240 to coincide with the center line of the stem through hole 233, and includes a spring supporting part 2511 supporting the end of the spring 2550 as shown in FIG. 11. Here, the spring supporting part 2511 is formed on the inner side of the door outer frame 240. The spring supporting part 2511 serves as a mounting position of the spring 2550 and transmits the elastic force of the spring 2550 to the door 200.

In addition, the guide structure 2510 is formed on the inner side of the door outer frame 240 with respect to the outer position of the spring supporting part 2511 and includes a hollow guide body 2512 into which the stem 2540 is inserted.

In addition, the guide structure 2510 includes guide slits 2513 coupled to the hanging protrusions 2545 of the stem 2540, respectively, and formed on a wall of the guide body 2512 to guide movement of the stem 2540.

In addition, the guide structure 2510 includes stoppers 2514 formed between the guide slits 2513 and the end of the guide body 2512.

The stem 2540 may be moved or stopped within the stroke range allowed in the guide structure 2510 by the guide slits 2513, the stoppers 2514 and the hanging protrusions 2545.

In addition, the guide structure 2510 includes a plurality of sliding protrusions 2515 spaced along the circumferential direction from the inner circumferential surface of the guide body 2512 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide body 2512.

The sliding protrusions 2515 reduce frictional force due to the movement of the stem 2540, thereby smoothly inducing the operation of the stem 2540. That is, the sliding protrusions 2515 may minimize the contact area between the guide body 2512 and the stem 2540. As a result, the stem 2540 may not become easily fixed or stuck within the guide body 2512 by sliding, and therefore minimizing any malfunction of the stem 2540.

Hereinafter, an operation method of the door opening and closing device of the wall-mounted washing machine according to the disclosure will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, the user rotates the door 200 shown in FIG. 2 to the state shown in FIG. 1 to close the door 200.

During the rotation, the door 200 approaches the cover 300 and the door hanging unit 260 of the door 200 is engaged and locked to the door locking unit 330 so that the door 200 is closed.

At this time, referring to FIG. 11, the pusher stem assembly 2520 is moved along with the door 200 and the cushion 2530 (of the pusher stem assembly 2520) may be brought into contact with the cover 300. The stem 2540 of the pusher stem assembly 2520 is retracted as the door 200 is continually rotated, that is, the user further presses the door 200 and closes toward the cover 300, and the spring 2550 becomes compressed by the backward movement of the stem 2540 so that the door is closed.

In operation, the user presses the door opening button 210 shown in FIG. 1.

Then, the locking state of the door locking unit 330 to the door hanging unit 260 (of the door 200 shown in FIG. 2) is released.

At this time, as the door opening unit 250 is relaxed, and the length of the spring 2550 of the door opening unit 250 is extended.

Further, the cover 300 and the components of the washing machine 10 coupled thereto are fixed to the wall, so that they do not move despite the extension of the spring 2550.

Instead, the elastic force of the spring 2550 is transmitted to the cover 300 through the stem 2540 and the cushion 2530. In addition, the elastic repulsive force (e.g., pushing force) corresponding to the elastic force is transmitted to the door 200 through the guide structure 2510, and as a result, the door 200 is reverse-rotated in the open direction. That is, the guide structure 2510 and the pusher stem assembly 2520, which are the door opening unit 250 of the door 200, are moved along with the door 200, as indicated by an arrow “F”, due to the reaction of the elastic force when the spring 2550 is relaxed or stretched and thus the door is opened as shown in FIG. 12.

Hereinafter, the manual locking release of a door opening and closing device will be described.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cover and the door locking unit shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 14 is a rear view of the cover shown in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the door locking unit 330 includes a locking device casing 337, a manual lever 333, and a string member 335.

The string member 335 functions by pulling the manual lever 333.

The manual lever 333 operates using a leverage principle and may rotate an inner latch (not shown) of the locking device casing 337 by the string member 335, such that the door locking unit 330 may be manually detached or unlocked from the door hanging unit 260 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

The cover 300 includes a string mounting portion 309 for fixing the string member 335 of the door locking unit 330. The string mounting portion 309 protrudes outwardly from the cover 300 from the lower portion edge of the cover 300.

The string mounting portion 309 may be a means for fixing string members 335 together or fixing the ends of the string members 335 or a support base capable of maintaining the string members 335 tight.

For example, the string mounting portion 309 may be integrally formed at the lower portion edge of the cover 300 and may be formed of any one of a hook portion, a ring portion, and a string fitting and positioning portion for fixing the end of the string members 335.

The cover 300 includes an insertion hole 307 of a hanging unit formed in the thickness direction of the cover, in order to pass the protruding portion of the door hanging unit 260 with respect to the direction from the door 200 toward the cover 300, as mentioned above. Herein, the hanging part insertion hole 307 may be formed in the form of a rectangular hole having a rounded corner portion.

In addition, the cover 300 includes bolt fastening mounting holes 308 formed in the cover 300 around the hanging part insertion hole 307. The door locking unit 330 may be screwed into the bolt of the bolt fastening mounting hole 308 and tightly attached to the rear surface of the cover 300.

In addition, the string member 335 may transmit tension to the manual lever 333, such as a string, a line, a wire of flexible material, or the like. Particularly, since the string member 335 is a flexible material, it offers an advantage in that its vibration transmission efficiency is lowered and friction noises due to contact therewith are not generated. The locking device casing 337 is mounted on the rear surface, e.g., the back surface, of the cover 300 and includes a latch capable of selectively locking or unlocking the door hanging part 260, a mechanism for operating the latch, and an electrical powering device. Herein, the mechanism for operating the latch is connected to a lever connection member (not shown) extending from the manual lever 333 to the inside of the locking device casing 337 to receive an operating force from the manual lever 333.

The manual lever 333 is exposed to the outside of the locking device casing 337 and serves to operate the latch by manual operation.

The upper end of the string member 335 is installed or coupled to the manual lever 333.

That is, the string member 335 is connected to the manual lever 333 and extends downwardly from the manual lever 333. For example, the upper end of the string member 335 may be assembled when making the injection-mold of the manual lever 333, or may be connected by a method of bundling after manufacture of the manual lever 333, or using a connection method using a fixed clip or the like.

In addition, the string member 335 may further include a ring portion 336 which is formed on the lower end thereof and is fixed or detachably coupled to the string mounting portion 309 to facilitate coupling or fixing between the string member 335 and the string mounting portion 309 of the cover 300.

The door locking unit 330 includes a hanging unit inlet port 331 formed in the locking device casing 337 with respect to a position corresponding to the hanging part inserting hole 307 of the cover 300. The hanging unit inlet port 331 may also be a rectangular hole having a round corner portion so that it may be matched corresponding to the hanging part inserting hole 307.

The locking device casing 337 of the door locking unit 330 is integrally formed with a plurality of bolt fixing parts 332 for fixing the bolt passing through the bolt fastening mounting hole 308.

In addition, the door locking unit 330 further includes a socket portion 334 for an electrical connection with a connector (not shown) of a wire extending from the control unit 810. The socket portion 334 is disposed at the bottom of the locking device casing 337 and has a socket hole that is opened in the width direction of the locking device casing 337. If the washing machine 10 becomes inoperable due to a power outage or a failure during use, a user or an operator disassembles the cabinet 100 from the washing machine 10.

In this case, the string member 335 may be viewed and is exposed in the lateral direction of the cover 300 and the front panel 400 of FIG. 4. The operator or user releases the lock of the door locking unit 330 manually by pulling the string member 335 down and, as a result, the door hanging part 260 is detached from the door locking unit 330, it is possible to manually open the main body 200.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit 810 may include a power supply 811 to supply power required for the operation of the respective components, a control part 812 to control the operation of the respective components, a wash controller 813 to control washing states, a valve controller 814 to selectively control the supply of wash water, a door opening and closing controller 815 to control whether to open or close the door, a timer 818 to count a predetermined period of time for a delay of a door opening and closing, and an alarm part 819 to generate an alarm, e.g., display a message or other information, depending on the washing states.

The control unit 810 may include the power supply 811 for supplying power. The control unit 810 may be activated as the power supply is energized.

As the power is supplied from the power supply 811, the controller 812 may control the operation of the respective components. Specifically, the control part 812 may control the operation of the respective components through information stored in memories (not shown) in accordance with instructions input through the display 202.

The control part 812 may control the wash controller 813. The wash controller 813 may control washing states so that the operational states such as washing, rinsing, draining cycles and the like can be managed in accordance with a user's manipulation. For example, after a washing cycle is complete, the wash controller 813 may transfer the wash completion signal to the door opening and closing controller 815, of which detailed operation will be described later.

Further, the control unit 810 may include the valve controller 814. The valve controller 814 may control the water supply valve assembly 480 so that wash water can be supplied to the detergent container 500 or the drum 600. The control of the water supply valve assembly 480 by the valve controller 814 may be performed in response to control from the wash controller 813.

The control unit 810 may include the door opening and closing controller 815 cooperating with the wash controller 813.

The door opening and closing controller 815 is configured with a circuit to allow the door 200 to be automatically opened after receiving the wash completion signal from the wash controller 814.

The door opening and closing controller 815 is configured with a circuit to allow the door 200 to be automatically opened after a predetermined period of time or delay after receiving the door unlocking signal from the control part 812.

The door opening and closing controller 815 may control the opening and closing of the door 200, so that either a manual opening mode 816 or an automatic opening mode 817 can be controlled depending on the washing states. Specifically, the door opening and closing controller 815 may control the manual opening mode 816 before the washing is started, and it may control the automatic opening mode 817 after the washing is completed.

The door opening and closing controller 815 (or its manual opening mode 816) may be controlled before the start of the washing cycle, so that the door 200 can be manually opened depending on the ON or OFF operation of the contact switch 2130. Specifically, when the user presses the door opening button 210, the contact switch 2130 (in contact with the door opening button 210) may be turned ON, resulting in the door 200 allowed to be opened by the door opening and closing device. That is, the manual opening mode 816 may allow an manual unlock operation of the door opening and closing device, for example, the door locking unit 330, depending on the ON operation of the contact switch 2130. Therefore, the door 200 may be opened after the predetermined period of delay time from the time when the contact switch 2130 is triggered. For example, the door 200 may be opened after a predetermined period of time, e.g., 3 seconds, from the trigger of the contact switch 2130. Herein, the predetermined period of time may refer to a value set at the time of design and manufacture for the washing machine and may be selected to be within a period of time ranging from 1 second or more to 10 or less, but it may be any period of delay time for door opening and may be programmable and therefore may not be limited to any specific period of time.

Thus, it is possible to avoid injuries which may occur due to an instantaneous opening of the door 200 shortly after the door opening button 210 is pressed, (such as a safety accident in which the door 200 hits the user's fingers because of an abrupt opening of the door 200 before the user moves his/her hands from the door 200).

In this manner, the manual opening mode 816 may be controlled so that the door 200 is opened after a predetermined period of time from the trigger moment of the contact switch 2130 through the use of the timer 818. The timer 818 is employed to count the predetermined period of time from the trigger moment of the contact switch 2130, and it may be configured to count a period measured from after the ON operation of the contact switch 2130 is detected.

When the door 200 is manually opened through the manual opening mode 816, the user may selectively perform the wash operations after putting the laundry into the washing machine 10.

After the washing is completed, the door 200 may be controlled with respect to opening or closing operations under the automatic opening mode 817.

The door opening and closing controller 815 (or its automatic opening mode 817) may be controlled after the washing cycle is completed, so that the door 200 can be automatically opened without user manipulation. Specifically, the automatic opening mode 817 may be supplied with the wash completion signal from the wash controller 813. At this time, the automatic opening mode 817 may determine whether or not the wash water is substantially discharged from the drum 600 and the tub 700 through a sensor unit (not shown) that controls the sensors 806, and then control the opening of door 200 after determining that the water discharge is completed.

On the other hand, when the door 200 is opened under the automatic opening mode 817, the control unit 810 may control the alarm part 819. The alarm part 819 serves to generate the alarm relating to the completion of the washing cycle or the opening of the door 200. Here, the alarm may be generated before the door 200 is opened. The alarm from the alarm part 819 may be a sound output through a speaker (not shown), but is not limited thereto. For example, the alarm from the alarm part 819 may be a visual output rendered through a display 202.

For example, the alarm from the alarm part 819 may include information about the scheduled door opening, or information indicating that a washing cycle has completed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the door opening and closing process in accordance with the manual opening mode in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 16, in S110, the washing machine 10 may be supplied power from the power supply 811 and then may prepare for its operation. At this time, the washing machine 10 may be in an initialized state in which the washing process is not yet performed.

When the user presses the door opening button 210, in S120, the ON operation or OFF operation of the contact switch 2130 may be checked by the door opening and closing controller 815. That is, the door opening and closing controller 815 may check the presence or absence of the door unlocking signal.

When the ON operation of the contact switch 2130 is detected, in S130, the timer 818 may be triggered to start its delay period counting.

When the timer 818 is operated, in S140, the opening of the door 200 may be delayed for a predetermined period of time from the time when the door unlocking signal is generated, that is, the moment when the contact switch 2130 is triggered. For example, the delay period for opening the door 200 may be 3 seconds.

After the delay of the predetermined period of time, in S150, the door 200 may be unlocked by means of the door opening and closing controller 815 and the timer 818. That is, the door 200 may be maintained in the locking state for 3 seconds and then unlocked, that is, opened.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a door opening and closing process in accordance with the automatic opening mode in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 17, in S210, the automatic opening mode 817 may receive the wash completion signal through the wash controller 813.

After the washing cycle is complete, in order to prevent the opening of the door 200 in a situation in which discharge of the wash water is not complete, in S220, the state regarding whether or not the wash water is discharged from the tub 700 and the drum 600 may be checked by the automatic opening mode 817. If it is a situation that the wash water is not substantially discharged from the tub 700 and the drum 600, in S211, the automatic opening mode 817 may issue a discharge request to the laundry controller 813 without opening the door 200 so as to first discharge the wash water from the tub 700 and the drum 600.

If the automatic opening mode 817 checks positively the completion of the discharge, the alarm part 819 may perform an alarm generation operation as in S230 where the alarm is generated according to the opening of the door 200

For example, the alarm from the alarm part 819 may be auditory information through the speaker (not shown) or visual information through the display 202.

Once an alarm related to the completion of the washing cycle or from the opening of the door 200 is issued through the alarm part 819, the automatic opening mode 817 may allow the door 200 to be automatically unlocked without requiring additional manual action from the user. This means that the door is automatically unlocked as in S240.

Meanwhile, the alarm generation in S230 may be performed before or it may be performed after the operation S240 in which the door is automatically unlocked (which operation is not specifically shown).

As described above, in accordance with a wall mounted washing machine, a door opening and closing device thereof, and a door opening and closing method thereof provide advantages of preventing potential injury when the door is opened.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the door may be easily opened by way of an electronic opening and closing system.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but are intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas which are equivalent or equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wall mounted washing machine comprising: a cabinet having a front surface and a rear surface; a tub disposed in the cabinet to store wash water; a rear panel coupled to the cabinet and operable to be mounted on a vertical surface; a front panel disposed in the tub; a cover disposed in the front panel; a door rotatably coupled to the cover and comprising a door glass; a door opening and closing device adapted for selecting locking and unlocking the door; and a control unit disposed on the front surface of the rear panel at a position with respect to an inner portion of the cabinet, wherein the control unit comprises: a wash controller for controlling washing states; a valve controller for selectively controlling supply of wash water; a door opening and closing controller for controlling the door opening and closing device; and a timer for counting a delay period to delay opening and closing of the door, wherein the door opening and closing controller receives a door unlocking signal for opening the door after the delay period.
 2. The wall mounted washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the door opening and closing device comprises: a door hanging unit disposed on the door and protruding toward the cover; and a door locking unit disposed on the cover and coupled to the door hanging unit to lock the door hanging unit; and wherein the door locking unit is operable to release a locking state of the door hanging unit in response to a signal from the door opening and closing controller.
 3. The wall mounted washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises: a door inner frame disposed toward the cover and having bolt holes and stem through holes; and a door outer frame coupled to the door inner frame through bolts corresponding to the bolt holes.
 4. The wall mounted washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the door outer frame comprises: a plurality of bolt fixing parts spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction on an inner surface of the door outer frame wherein bolts inserted into the bolt holes are engaged; and a door opening button disposed on the door outer frame with respect to a position that does not interfere with the bolt fixing parts.
 5. The wall mounted washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the door opening button comprises a button extension portion protruding from a center to an inner side of the door inner frame.
 6. The wall mounted washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the door inner frame comprises an opening button circuit module mounted on an inner surface of the door inner frame and in contact with an end of the button extension portion.
 7. The wall mounted washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the opening button circuit module is installed at a position spaced downward from the stem through holes formed in the door inner frame.
 8. The wall mounted washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the opening button circuit module comprising: a contact switch in contact with the button extension portion; a switch circuit for issuing a door unlocking signal to the control unit depending on an ON/OFF operation of the contact switch; and a cable electrically coupling the switch circuit and the control unit.
 9. The wall mounted washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the timer operates responsive to an ON operation of the contact switch, and wherein further the delay period is predetermined and is substantially less than 10 seconds.
 10. A door opening and closing device for a wall mounted washing machine, wherein the washing machine comprises a cabinet; a rear panel coupled to the cabinet and operable to be mounted on a wall; a cover coupled to a cover connection unit of the cabinet; a door hinged to said cover and having a door hanging unit coupled to the door locking unit and combined with a door inner frame and a door outer frame; and a control unit disposed on a front surface of the rear panel with respect to an inner side of the cabinet, the door opening and closing device comprising: a door opening unit installed on the door and rotated together with the door to be compressed upon contacting the cover and operable to store an elastic force; and the door locking unit operable to unlock the door hanging unit in response to one of: a wash completion signal; and a door unlocking signal from the control unit, and wherein the door opening unit operable to inversely rotate the door under force from stored elastic force when the door hanging unit is unlocked.
 11. The door opening and closing device according to claim 10, wherein the door unlocking signal is input to the door locking unit through the control unit, and wherein further the door locking unit performs a manual locking release action after 3 seconds from a time when the door locking unit receives a door unlocking signal.
 12. The door opening and closing device according to claim 10, wherein the door opening unit comprises: a pusher stem assembly selectively performing one of: extending toward the cover through stem through holes formed in the door inner frame; and being compressed upon contacting the cover; and a guide structure integrally formed on an inner surface of the door outer frame to be coupled to the pusher stem assembly.
 13. The door opening and closing device according to claim 12, wherein the pusher stem assembly comprises: a cushion contacting the cover in response to the rotation of the door; a hollow stem installed with the cushion; and a spring inserted into the hallow stem and selectively compressed and relaxed along a length of the hollow stem.
 14. The door opening and closing device according to claim 13, wherein the cushion is formed of at least one material selected from a group consisting of: a natural rubber material; a synthetic rubber material; a urethane material; a silicone material; and a synthetic resin material and having an elastic force.
 15. The door opening and closing device according to claim 10, wherein the door locking unit comprises: a latch mounted on a rear surface of the cover and operable to selectively lock and unlock the door hanging unit; and a locking device casing mounted with a mechanism for operating the latch and an electric power unit.
 16. The door opening and closing device according to claim 15, wherein the door locking unit further comprises: a hanging unit inlet part formed in the locking device casing at a position corresponding to a hanging part insertion hole formed in the cover; and a socket portion for electrical connection with a connector of a wire originating from the control unit.
 17. A method of door opening and closing for use in a wall mounted washing machine, wherein the washing machine comprises a cabinet; a rear panel coupled to the cabinet and operable to be wall mounted; a cover connected to the cabinet and having a door hinge on one side and a door locking unit on the other side; a door comprising a door hanging part coupled to the door locking unit, a door inner frame, and a door outer frame; and a control unit disposed on a front surface of the rear panel with respect to an inner side of the cabinet, wherein the control unit includes a door opening and closing controller, and wherein the door opening and closing controller is configured to perform the method, wherein the method comprises: checking whether there is a door unlocking signal; delaying unlocking of the door for a predetermined period of time from a time when the door unlocking signal is generated; and allowing the door to be unlocked after the predetermined period of time.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said checking whether there is a door unlocking signal is performed by an ON/OFF operation of a contact switch which contacts an end of a door opening button disposed at one side of the door.
 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein said delaying unlocking of the door comprises transmitting the door unlocking signal to the door locking unit after the door opening and closing controller delays the door unlocking signal for the predetermined period of time from a time when the door unlocking signal is generated. 